Faucet assembly with integrated anti-scald device

ABSTRACT

Improved fluid supply assemblies for fluid systems are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved fluid supply assemblies and related features, systems and methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous faucet assemblies (e.g., electrically or mechanically actuated faucet assemblies) having an integrated anti-scald device and having an integrated temperature mixing valve. The present disclosure provides for a faucet assembly having an integrated temperature mixing valve, and/or having an integrated anti-scald device configured to stop the inlet flow of hot water in the event the mixed outlet water temperature exceeds a user-selected set point. Advantageous faucet assemblies of the present disclosure can prevent scalding as defined by ASSE 1070. Improved, convenient and effective systems and methods for utilizing improved faucet assemblies in fluid systems are provided.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/153,818, filed May 13, 2016, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to fluid supply assemblies, andmore particularly, to faucet assemblies (e.g., electrically ormechanically actuated faucet assemblies) having an integrated anti-scalddevice and having an integrated temperature mixing valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, fluid supply assemblies for use in fluid systems are known.Some fluid supply assemblies include separate components that utilizevarious installation spaces and can provide for inefficient and costlyinstallations. As such, some fluid supply assemblies are associated withhigh material and installation costs, and can provide for complex and/orinefficient installations. Moreover, certain fluid supply assemblies caninefficiently utilize flow control valves to adjust outlet fluid flowfrom the assemblies.

An interest exists for improved fluid supply assemblies and relatedmethods of use. These and other inefficiencies and opportunities forimprovement are addressed and/or overcome by the assemblies, systems andmethods of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides for improved fluid supply assemblies andrelated features, systems and methods of use. More particularly, thepresent disclosure provides for advantageous faucet assemblies having anintegrated anti-scald device and/or having an integrated temperaturemixing valve.

In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a faucetassembly (e.g., electrically or mechanically actuated faucet assembly)having an integrated temperature mixing valve and/or having anintegrated anti-scald device configured to reduce or stop the inlet flowof hot water in the event the mixed outlet water temperature reaches orexceeds a user-adjustable set point (e.g., from about 110° F. to about120° F.). When implemented, the exemplary faucet assembly can preventscalding as defined by American Society of Sanitary Engineering (“ASSE”)1070.

In certain embodiments, the integrated faucet assemblies of the presentdisclosure can eliminate the need for a separate anti-scald device.Additionally, an exemplary integrated faucet assembly can advantageouslyreduce (i) the number of components required, (ii) the installationspace required, and/or (iii) the additional associated installationcosts of adding a separate anti-scald device for a faucet.

The configuration and design of an exemplary integrated mixing valve canprovide that the hot water flow path may not be open without a coldwater flow path also being open, which can thereby limit the maximumtemperature of the mixed outlet water flow. The cold water path can alsoserve as a reset of the integrated anti-scald device used to stop theflow of hot water in the event the outlet water temperature exceeds asetpoint.

The faucet assemblies of the present disclosure (e.g., with theintegrated mixing valve and the integrated anti-scald device positionedwithin the faucet assembly) can be utilized for a variety of uses (e.g.,lavatory faucet assembly, kitchen faucet assembly, sink faucet assembly,etc.). For example, an exemplary faucet assembly can take the form of ahands-free electronic sensor actuated faucet assembly (e.g., for use asa lavatory, kitchen or sink faucet assembly, etc.).

The present disclosure provides for a fluid supply assembly including amanifold housing having a hot fluid inlet, a cold fluid inlet, a mixingcavity, a mixed fluid outlet, an anti-scald cavity, and an actuatorcavity housing an actuating member; an anti-scald device housed in theanti-scald cavity, the anti-scald device including a thermal actuatorand a plunger member; wherein when the actuating member is actuated, hotfluid is configured to travel from the hot fluid inlet to the mixingcavity and cold fluid is configured to travel from the cold fluid inletto the mixing cavity to mix with the hot fluid to form a mixed fluidflow, the mixed fluid flow configured to travel through a sensing regionof the anti-scald cavity and then out the mixed fluid outlet; whereinwhen the temperature of the mixed fluid flow reaches a set-pointtemperature in the sensing region, the thermal actuator expands andmoves the plunger member to close the hot fluid inlet; and wherein afterthe hot fluid inlet is closed by the plunger member, cold fluidcontinues to flow to the sensing region.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly whereinthe set-point temperature is user adjustable, such as, for example, to avalue that is somewhere in the range from about 110° F. to about 120° F.The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly furtherincluding a mixing valve housed in the mixing cavity, the mixing valveincluding a hot fluid cam portion and a cold fluid cam portion, the hotfluid cam portion elevating from a recessed end to an elevated end andthe cold fluid cam portion elevating from a recessed end to an elevatedend. The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assemblywherein when the actuating member is actuated, hot fluid is configuredto travel from the hot fluid inlet to the hot fluid cam portion and tothe mixing cavity, and cold fluid is configured to travel from the coldfluid inlet to the cold fluid cam portion and to the mixing cavity toform the mixed fluid flow.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly whereinthe plunger member fluidically separates the sensing region from aplunger region of the anti-scald cavity. The present disclosure alsoprovides for a fluid supply assembly wherein the hot fluid is configuredto travel from the hot fluid inlet and to the plunger region of theanti-scald cavity, and then to the mixing cavity to form the mixed fluidflow.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly furtherincluding a spout housing having a spout opening, the spout housingconfigured to house the manifold housing, and the mixed fluid flow isconfigured to travel from the mixed fluid outlet to the spout opening.The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly whereinthe actuating member is an electrically actuated valve member. Thepresent disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly wherein theactuating member is a mechanically actuated valve member.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly whereinthe thermal actuator includes a wax member. The present disclosure alsoprovides for a fluid supply assembly wherein the mixing valve issubstantially cylindrical and includes a mixing portion positionedbetween the hot fluid cam portion and the cold fluid cam portion.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly whereinthe mixing valve includes a shaft portion configured to mount to ahandle member. The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supplyassembly further including a limiting member positioned on the shaftportion and housed in the handle member, the limiting member configuredto restrict movement of the mixing valve to a hot fluid position therebyreducing the hot fluid flow from the hot fluid inlet when the mixingvalve is positioned in the hot fluid position.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assemblyincluding a manifold housing having a hot fluid inlet, a cold fluidinlet, a mixing cavity, a mixed fluid outlet, and an actuator cavityhousing an actuating member; a mixing valve housed in the mixing cavity,the mixing valve including a hot fluid cam portion and a cold fluid camportion, the hot fluid cam portion elevating from a recessed end to anelevated end and the cold fluid cam portion elevating from a recessedend to an elevated end; wherein when the actuating member is actuated,hot fluid is configured to travel from the hot fluid inlet to the hotfluid cam portion and to the mixing cavity, and cold fluid is configuredto travel from the cold fluid inlet to the cold fluid cam portion and tothe mixing cavity to form the mixed fluid flow; and wherein the hotfluid cam portion and the cold fluid cam portion are configured to allowa user to move the mixing valve to multiple different positions forsimultaneous adjustment of flows of both the hot fluid and cold fluid tothe mixing cavity and then to the mixed fluid outlet.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly whereinwhen the mixing valve is moved to a full hot position, cold fluidcontinues to flow to the mixing cavity; and wherein when hot fluid flowsthrough the mixing valve to the mixing cavity, cold fluid also flowsthrough the mixing valve and to the mixing cavity.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly whereinwhen the mixing valve is moved to a neutral position, the elevated endof the cold fluid cam portion is positioned proximal to a lower end ofthe cold fluid inlet. The present disclosure also provides for a fluidsupply assembly wherein when the mixing valve is moved to a full coldposition, the recessed end of the cold fluid cam portion is positionedproximal to an upper end of the cold fluid inlet and the elevated end ofthe cold fluid cam portion is positioned a distance away from a lowerend of the cold fluid inlet. The present disclosure also provides for afluid supply assembly wherein when the mixing valve is moved to a fullcold position, the elevated end of the hot fluid cam portion preventshot fluid from entering the mixing cavity.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assembly whereinwhen the mixing valve is moved to a full hot position: (i) the elevatedend of the cold fluid cam portion is positioned proximal to an upper endof the cold fluid inlet thereby allowing a low flow of cold fluid toenter the mixing chamber, and (ii) the recessed end of the hot fluid camportion is positioned below a lower end of an internal hot fluid linethereby allowing a substantially full flow of hot fluid to enter the hotfluid cam portion and travel to the mixing chamber.

The present disclosure also provides for a fluid supply assemblyincluding a manifold housing having a hot fluid inlet, a cold fluidinlet, a mixing cavity, a mixed fluid outlet, an anti-scald cavity, andan actuator cavity housing an actuating member; an anti-scald devicehoused in the anti-scald cavity, the anti-scald device including athermal actuator, a plunger member, a biasing member, and an adjustablecap member, the cap member adjustably engaged at a first end of theanti-scald cavity and the biasing member positioned against a second endof the anti-scald cavity, with the biasing member providing a biasingforce to the thermal actuator and the plunger member against the capmember; a stop member mounted to the first end of the anti-scald cavity,the cap member adjustable by a user to move from the stop member towardthe second end of the anti-scald cavity; wherein when the actuatingmember is actuated, hot fluid is configured to travel from the hot fluidinlet to the mixing cavity and cold fluid is configured to travel fromthe cold fluid inlet to the mixing cavity to mix with the hot fluid toform a mixed fluid flow, the mixed fluid flow configured to travelthrough a sensing region of the anti-scald cavity and then out the mixedfluid outlet; wherein when the temperature of the mixed fluid flowreaches a set-point temperature in the sensing region, the thermalactuator expands and moves the plunger member to close the hot fluidinlet; and wherein after the cap member is moved toward the second endof the anti-scald cavity, the set-point temperature of the sensingregion decreases.

Additional advantageous features, functions and applications of thedisclosed assemblies, systems and methods of the present disclosure willbe apparent from the description which follows, particularly when readin conjunction with the appended figures. The references listed in thisdisclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and aspects of embodiments are described below with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which elements are not necessarilydepicted to scale.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further describedwith reference to the appended figures. It is to be noted that thevarious features, steps and combinations of features/steps describedbelow and illustrated in the figures can be arranged and organizeddifferently to result in embodiments which are still within the scope ofthe present disclosure. To assist those of ordinary skill in the art inmaking and using the disclosed assemblies, systems and methods,reference is made to the appended figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary fluid supply assemblyaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded partial side perspective view of the fluid supplyassembly of FIG. 1, prior to assembly and showing internal features ofthe manifold housing;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 2, afterassembly;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the manifold housing of theassembly of FIG. 2, and showing external features of the manifoldhousing;

FIGS. 5-6 are side perspective views of the manifold housing of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the mixing valve of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 8-9 are side perspective views of the assembly of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 10-16 are cross-sectional side views of the assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 17A is a partial cross-sectional side view of the assembly of FIG.3;

FIG. 17B is a partial top view of the assembly of FIG. 17A; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the assembly of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative ofadvantageous fluid supply assemblies (e.g., faucet assemblies), andsystems of the present disclosure and methods/techniques thereof. Itshould be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merelyexemplary of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, details disclosed herein with reference to exemplaryfluid supply assemblies/fabrication methods and associatedprocesses/techniques of assembly and use are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the arthow to make and use the advantageous fluid supply assemblies/systems ofthe present disclosure.

The present disclosure provides for improved fluid supply assemblies forfluid systems. More particularly, the present disclosure provides foradvantageous faucet assemblies (e.g., electrically or mechanicallyactuated faucet assemblies) having an integrated anti-scald device andhaving an integrated temperature mixing valve.

In general, the present disclosure provides for a faucet assembly havingan integrated temperature mixing valve, and having an integratedanti-scald device configured to reduce or stop the inlet flow of hotwater in the event the mixed outlet water temperature reaches or exceedsa user-selected set point. Exemplary faucet assemblies of the presentdisclosure can prevent scalding as defined by ASSE 1070.

The faucet assemblies of the present disclosure can eliminate the needfor a separate anti-scald device, thereby advantageously reducing thenumber of components required and/or reducing the installationcosts/space required.

An exemplary mixing valve can provide that the hot water flow path maynot be open without a cold water flow path also being open, therebylimiting the maximum temperature of the mixed outlet water flow. Asdiscussed further below, the cold water path can also serve as a resetof the integrated anti-scald device.

Exemplary faucet assemblies having the integrated mixing valve andhaving the integrated anti-scald device positioned within the faucetassembly (e.g., mixing valve and anti-scald device positioned within themanifold housing or body of the faucet assembly) can be utilized for avariety of uses (e.g., lavatory faucet assembly, kitchen faucetassembly, sink faucet assembly, etc.).

The incorporation of an integrated mechanical mixing valve and anintegrated anti-scald device positioned within the faucet assembly(e.g., within manifold housing) can advantageously reduce the materialcost, installation complexity, the associated installation costs, and/orspace requirements compared to some conventional assemblies havingseparate mixing valves connecting to faucet bodies.

Additionally, with such integrated configurations/designs of the presentdisclosure, proportional inlets are not required to limit the maximumwater temperature mix. The hot water flow can be stopped quickly andcompletely (not just reduced substantially) if the mixed watertemperature exceeds a maximum preset temperature (e.g., complying withASSE 1070), while still allowing cold water, if available, to flow. Thiscold water flow can also provide cooling to the anti-scald device (e.g.,thermal responsive valve), thereby functioning as a “reset” featurewhich allows the hot water to quickly again begin flowing and mixingwith the cold water flow.

An exemplary mixing valve (e.g., in the form of a coupled dual cammixing valve control shaft) can permit constant simultaneous adjustmentof both the hot and cold water to mix to the desired outlet temperature.Using this assembly, the flow rate of mixed water can stay more constant(e.g., as the cold flow is increased, the hot flow is decreased; as thehot flow is increased, the cold flow is decreased). This is animprovement over conventional systems/methods of simply adjusting thecold water flow to control the outlet temperature. It is also animprovement over using and having to adjust two individual flow controlvalves (e.g., an individual hot valve and an individual cold valve), asexemplary assemblies of the present disclosure may advantageously usethe one mixing valve to control the flow of both hot and cold waterflows.

Additionally, a mechanical limiting device can be incorporated torestrict the movement of the mixing valve (e.g., mixing valve controlshaft), thereby reducing the hot water flow path and related hot waterflow. This can reduce the maximum outlet water temperature.

As discussed further below, other embodiments can include pressurecompensating flow regulators in each of the hot and cold water supplylines. These regulators/devices can maintain a constant flow of eachinlet fluid by adjusting the fluid path orifice size based on therelated water pressure (e.g., as pressure increases, the orifice openingdecreases, maintaining a more constant flow). This can minimize theoutlet mixed water temperature variations.

Referring now to the drawings, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and drawings with the same reference numerals,respectively. Drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and incertain views, parts may have been exaggerated for purposes of clarity.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated a fluid supply assembly10 (e.g., faucet assembly 10) according to exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, exemplary faucet assembly 10 includes a spouthousing 12, a spout opening 11, a handle member 13, and a base adapter14 mounted to and/or within spout housing 12. Faucet assembly 10 alsoincludes a hot fluid (e.g., water) supply line/hose 15 and a cold fluid(e.g., water) supply line/hose 17.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, a manifold housing 16 is configured to be mountedto base adapter 14, and is configured to be mounted and/or positionedwithin spout housing 12. Manifold housing 16 includes a hot fluid (e.g.,water) inlet 18 in fluid communication with hot fluid supply line 15,and includes a cold fluid (e.g., water) inlet 20 in fluid communicationwith cold fluid supply line 17.

In exemplary embodiments, hot water travels from supply line 15 to hotwater inlet 18, through plunger region 29 of anti-scald cavity 23, andthen travels via internal line 27 to mixing cavity 22 of manifoldhousing 16.

Cold water travels from supply line 17 to cold water inlet 20, and thentravels to mixing cavity 22, where the hot and cold water mixes togetherto form a mixed water flow. As discussed further below and duringoperation of faucet assembly 10 via actuation of actuating member 19(e.g., electrically or mechanically actuated on/off valve member 19),mixed water is configured to travel from the mixing cavity 22 to sensingregion 24 of anti-scald cavity 23 via mixed fluid/water line 21, andthen out of manifold housing 16 via mixed fluid/water outlet 26 ofmanifold housing 16 (e.g., via actuated valve member 19). In certainembodiments, actuating member 19 is mounted to manifold housing viaactuator cavity 28 (e.g., via threads of member 19 and cavity 28).

In certain embodiments, an adapter member 25 is mounted to mixed wateroutlet 26, and the adapter member 25 communicates the mixed water to thespout opening 11 (e.g., via an outlet line/hose) and to a user (FIGS. 1and 3).

In certain embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 2, 10 and 11, faucetassembly 10 can include check valves 80, pressure compensating flowregulators 82, and housings 84 for the pressure compensating flowregulators 82. For example and as depicted in FIGS. 2, 10 and 11, theinlets 18, 20 can include a check valve 80 mounted therein to preventbackflow.

In some embodiments, pressure compensating flow regulators 82 withinhousings 84 are provided in each of the hot and cold water supply lines15, 17.

For example as shown in FIGS. 2, 10 and 11, housings 84 can be mountedto lines 15, 17, and a pressure compensating flow regulator 82 can bemounted/positioned within each housing 84. Exemplary pressurecompensating flow regulators 82 are configured to maintain a constantflow of each inlet 18, 20 fluid from supply lines 15, 17 by adjustingthe fluid path orifice size based on the related fluid/water pressure(e.g., as pressure increases, the orifice opening decreases, maintaininga more constant flow).

Exemplary manifold housing 16 also includes anti-scald cavity 23. Asshown in FIGS. 2, 11 and 18, anti-scald cavity 23 is configured anddimensioned to mount with and/or house anti-scald device/assembly 30. Asdepicted in FIGS. 2, 11 and 18, anti-scald device/assembly 30 includesadjustable cap member 31, thermal actuator 33 (e.g., wax element 33),plunger member 34, and bias spring 36.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 18, assembled and mounted anti-scald device 30within cavity 23 separates cavity 23 into a sensing region 24 and amovable plunger region 29. For example, the proximal end of plungermember 34 can include gasketing material (e.g., one or more O-rings)that fluidically separates sensing region 24 from movable plunger region29. As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 18, movable plunger region 29 can be influid communication with hot water inlet 18, and can be in fluidcommunication with internal line 27.

Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 18, bias spring 36 is positioned againstan abutment surface 32 of plunger region 29, and provides a biasingforce in the direction of Arrow U against thermal actuator 33 andplunger member 34, and against stop member 44.

As noted and during operation of faucet assembly 10, mixed water isconfigured to travel from the mixing cavity 22 to sensing region 24 ofanti-scald cavity 23 via mixed fluid/water line 21. The distal end 38 ofthe thermal actuator 33 (e.g., wax element 33) is configured to expandalong its central longitudinal axis as the temperature of the mixedwater in the sensing region 24 increases.

At a user-selected temperature set point of the mixed water in thesensing region 24 (e.g., from about 110° F. to about 120° F.), theexpansion of the thermal actuator 33 overcomes the bias force of spring36, and the expansion of the distal end 38 of the actuator 33 forces theplunger member 34 in the direction of Arrow D until the distal end 37 ofthe plunger member 34 contacts the cylindrical seating surface 40 ofplunger region 29, thereby preventing hot water from moving from the hotwater inlet 18 into the plunger region 29, and thus thereby preventinghot water from moving from the inlet 18 to the internal line 27 thatfeeds mixing cavity 22. The user-selected temperature set point can beadjusted via mechanical means to arrive at a desired set point (e.g.,110° F., 111.7° F., 112.3° F., 115° F., 116° F., 118.4° F., 118.9° F.,or 120° F.).

As such, integrated anti-scald device/assembly 30 within manifoldhousing 16 is configured to reduce or stop the inlet 18 flow of hotwater in the event the mixed outlet water temperature reaches or exceedsa user-selected set point. When implemented, the exemplary anti-scalddevice/assembly 30 of faucet assembly 10 can prevent scalding as definedby ASSE 1070.

By way of example and when the user-selected set point of the mixedwater that contacts the thermal actuator 33 is set to about 117° F. toabout 120° F., when the mixed water reaches around 112° F. in thesensing region 24, the distal end 38 of thermal actuator 33 extendsaround 2.25 mm in the direction of arrow D and starts to shut off thehot water fluid path through region 29. As the mixed water temperatureincreases in sensing region 24, the distal end 38 of thermal actuator 33extends further in the direction of arrow D, until the temperaturereaches about 117° F. At this temperature the distal end 38 of thermalactuator 33 will be substantially fully extended in the direction ofarrow D (around 5 mm), thereby stopping the hot water flow to mixingcavity 22 as discussed above.

Moreover and as discussed further below in connection with the operationof advantageous mixing valve 42, when the mixing valve 42 is positionedin the full hot water position there is also a cold water path open tothe thermal actuator 33 (e.g., via line 21 from mixing cavity 22 andfrom inlet 20). As such, in the event that the hot temperature limit isreached and the hot water is stopped by the anti-scald device/assembly30 as discussed above, the cold water will continue to flow to thethermal actuator 33 and cool and contract the thermal actuator 33 andallow it to reset (e.g., move the plunger to the open position shown inFIGS. 11 and 18). Without such cold water flow to the thermal actuator33, the thermal actuator 33 would, in a slower fashion, depend on theconductive cooling of its surroundings (e.g., the cooling of the metalsand water surrounding it) before the thermal actuator 33 could begin tooperate again. And, even then and without such cold water flow to theactuator 33, the hot water immediately available to the thermal actuator33 after such slower conductive cooling reset can, in a quicker fashion,cause the thermal actuator 33 to stop hot water flow again.

In exemplary embodiments and referring again to FIGS. 2, 3 and 18 (andalso to FIGS. 17A and 17B), anti-scald device/assembly 30 also includesthe stop member 44, which is configured to mount to manifold housing 16.The position of the user-adjustable cap member 31 results in theposition of the thermal actuator 33, and exemplary stop member 44 takesthe form of a shoulder bolt for stopping the upward (direction U) motionof the adjustable cap member 31.

For example, a user can select and re-select the maximum fail-safeset-point temperature of the mixed water that contacts the thermalactuator 33 (e.g., from 120° F. to 105° F.) by rotating/screwing the capmember 31 (e.g., within a 360° range of cap member 31) in the directionof arrow D (FIG. 18), thereby moving the cap member 31, thermal actuator33 and plunger member 34 in the direction of arrow D, and thus therebyreducing the user-selected maximum fail-safe set-point temperature ofthe thermal actuator 33 (e.g., from 120° F. as shown in FIGS. 18, to110° F. after the cap member 31 is moved in the direction of arrow D).After the cap member 31 has been moved in the direction of arrow D, auser could then adjust cap member 31 in the direction of arrow U toreturn the assembly 30 to a user-selected 120° F. set-point temperatureas depicted in FIG. 18 and/or to another desired temperature within thebounds of the stop member 44. In this regard, cap member 31advantageously provides a temperature adjustment screw foruser-adjustment of the set-point temperature of the mixed water thatcontacts the thermal actuator 33 in the sensing region 24.

As noted and with reference to FIGS. 2-7, exemplary manifold housing 16also includes mixing cavity 22. Exemplary mixing cavity 22 is configuredand dimensioned to mount with and/or house and mixing valve 42.

In exemplary embodiments and as shown in FIG. 7, mixing valve 42 takesthe form of a coupled dual cam mixing valve control shaft 42. Exemplarymixing valve 42 is substantially cylindrical, and includes a shaftportion 46, a cold water portion 48, a hot water portion 50, and amixing portion 52 positioned between cold/hot portions 48, 50. Mixingvalve 42 also includes extending portion 54 that extends within mixingcavity 22 after assembly.

Shaft portion 46 is configured to mount to handle member 13. For exampleand as shown in FIG. 2, fastener member 53 can be mounted to handlemember 13 and to shaft portion 46 to releasably mount shaft portion 46to handle member 13.

A mechanical limiting member 55 can be positioned/mounted on shaftportion 46 and housed within handle member 18 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Exemplarymechanical limiting member 55 is configured to restrict therotation/movement of the mixing valve 42 to a hot water position,thereby reducing the flow through hot water inlet 18 and reducing therelated hot water flow within manifold housing 16. This can reduce themaximum outlet water temperature through outlet 26. Exemplary handlemember 13 also includes a cold water position indicator 56 and a hotwater position indicator 58.

As discussed further below, exemplary mixing valve 42 is configured topermit constant simultaneous adjustment of flows of both the hot andcold water inlets 18, 20 to mix to the desired outlet temperaturethrough outlet 26. As such and using mixing valve 42 of assembly 10, theflow rate of mixed water through outlet 26 can stay more constant (e.g.,as the cold flow is increased through inlet 20, the hot flow isdecreased through inlet 18; as the hot flow is increased through inlet18, the cold flow is decreased through inlet 20). This is an improvementover conventional systems/methods of simply adjusting the cold waterflow to control the outlet temperature. It is also an improvement overusing and having to adjust two individual conventional flow controlvalves (e.g., an individual hot valve and an individual cold valve), asexemplary assemblies 10 of the present disclosure may advantageously usethe one mixing valve 42 to control the flow of both hot and cold waterflows through inlets 18, 20.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cold water portion 48 is substantiallycylindrical and includes upper surface 49. Recessed within upper surface49 is a cam portion 60 that includes a lower surface 65 that extends andslopes/elevates from a recessed end 62 to an elevated end 64. As such,the lower surface 65 at the recessed end 62 is positioned farther fromthe upper surface 49 than the lower surface 65 at the elevated end 64.In exemplary embodiments, the lower surface 65 of elevated end 64 ispositioned proximal to upper surface 49. Moreover and discussed furtherbelow, exemplary lower surface 65 of recessed end 62 is positionedproximal to lower surface 57 of mixing portion 52. Cold water portion 48also includes sidewall 67 extending (e.g., transversely) from lowersurface 65 to upper surface 49 to define cam portion 60.

Similarly, exemplary hot water portion 50 is substantially cylindricaland includes upper surface 51. Recessed within upper surface 51 is a camportion 70 that includes a lower surface 75 that extends andslopes/elevates from a recessed end 72 to an elevated end 74. As such,the lower surface 75 at the recessed end 72 is positioned farther fromthe upper surface 49 than the lower surface 75 at the elevated end 74.In exemplary embodiments, the lower surface 75 of elevated end 74 ispositioned proximal to upper surface 49. Moreover, exemplary lowersurface 75 of recessed end 72 is positioned proximal to lower surface 57of mixing portion 52.

In exemplary embodiments, FIGS. 3 and 10-11 depict the positions of thehandle member 13 and the mixing valve 42 when the handle member 13 andmixing valve 42 are positioned, moved or rotated in the neutralposition.

In such a position and when actuating member 19 has been actuated, coldwater from supply line 17 will enter cold water inlet 20. From coldwater inlet 20 and as shown in FIG. 10, cold water will enter the camportion 60 of cold water portion 48 of mixing valve 42, and then travelto mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42. The cold water can then travelfrom the mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42 to mixed water line 21(FIG. 8), and then on to sensing region 24, and then to outlet 26.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 arepositioned in the neutral position, the elevated end 64 of cold waterportion 48 of mixing valve 42 is positioned proximal to a lower end 68of cold water inlet 20, thereby allowing an intermediate flow of coldwater to enter cam portion 60 of cold water portion 48 of mixing valve42 from inlet 20.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 arepositioned in the neutral position and when actuating member 19 has beenactuated, hot water from supply line 15 will enter hot water inlet 18,travel through plunger region 29, and then travel to internal line 27.From internal line 27 and as shown in FIG. 11, hot water will enter thecam portion 70 of hot water portion 50 of mixing valve 42, and thentravel to mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42. The hot water can thentravel from the mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42 to mixed water line21 (FIG. 8), and then on to sensing region 24, and then to outlet 26.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 arepositioned in the neutral position, the elevated end 74 of hot waterportion 50 of mixing valve 42 is positioned substantially in the middleof the inlet of internal line 27, thereby allowing an intermediate flowof hot water to enter cam portion 70 of hot water portion 50 of mixingvalve 42 from internal line 27.

In exemplary embodiments, FIGS. 9 and 15-16 depict the positions of thehandle member 13 and the mixing valve 42 when the handle member 13 andmixing valve 42 are positioned, moved or rotated in the full coldposition.

In such a position and when actuating member 19 has been actuated, coldwater from supply line 17 will enter cold water inlet 20. From coldwater inlet 20 and as shown in FIG. 15, cold water will enter the camportion 60 of cold water portion 48 of mixing valve 42, and then travelto mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42. The cold water can then travelfrom the mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42 to mixed water line 21(FIG. 8), and then on to sensing region 24, and then to outlet 26.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 arepositioned in the full cold position, the recessed end 62 of cold waterportion of mixing valve 42 is positioned proximal to an upper end 69 ofcold water inlet 20 and the elevated end 64 of cold water portion 48 ofmixing valve 42 is positioned a distance away from the lower end 68 ofcold water inlet 20, thereby allowing a substantially full flow of coldwater to enter cam portion 60 of cold water portion 48 of mixing valve42 from inlet 20.

Referring to FIG. 16, when the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 arepositioned in the full cold position and when actuating member 19 hasbeen actuated, hot water from supply line 15 will enter hot water inlet18, travel through plunger region 29, and then travel to internal line27. From internal line 27, hot water will be prevented from entering thecam portion 70 of hot water portion 50 of mixing valve 42 by uppersurface 51. Thus, in the full cold position, the hot water is preventedfrom moving to the mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42 and to mixedwater line 21 (and thus prevented from exiting outlet 26).

Referring to FIG. 16, when the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 arepositioned in the full cold position, the elevated end 74 of hot waterportion 50 of mixing valve 42 is positioned below or underneath a lowerend 71 of internal line 27, thereby preventing hot water from line 27from entering the cam portion 70 of hot water portion 50 of mixing valve42 by upper surface 51.

In exemplary embodiments, FIGS. 8 and 13-14 depict the positions of thehandle member 13 and the mixing valve 42 when the handle member 13 andmixing valve 42 are positioned, moved or rotated in the full hotposition, which includes some bleed flow of cold water into the mixwater.

In such a position and when actuating member 19 has been actuated, coldwater from supply line 17 will enter cold water inlet 20. From coldwater inlet 20 and as shown in FIG. 14, some cold water will bleed intothe cam portion 60 of cold water portion 48 of mixing valve 42, and thentravel to mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42. The cold water can thentravel from the mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42 to mixed water line21, and then on to sensing region 24, and then to outlet 26.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 arepositioned in the full hot position, the elevated end 64 of cold waterportion 48 of mixing valve 42 is positioned proximal to the upper end 69of cold water inlet 20, thereby allowing a low flow of cold water toenter cam portion 60 of cold water portion 48 of mixing valve 42 frominlet 20.

In this way and as discussed above, when the mixing valve 42 ispositioned in the full hot water position there is also a cold waterpath open to the thermal actuator 33 (e.g., via line 21 from mixingcavity 22 and from inlet 20). As such, in the event that the hottemperature limit is reached and the hot water is stopped by theanti-scald device/assembly 30 as discussed above, the cold water willcontinue to flow to the thermal actuator 33 and cool and contract thethermal actuator 33 and allow it to reset (e.g., move the plunger to theopen position shown in FIGS. 11 and 18). Without such cold water flow tothe thermal actuator 33, the thermal actuator 33 would, in a slowerfashion, depend on the conductive cooling of its surroundings before thethermal actuator 33 could begin to operate again. And, even then andwithout such cold water flow to the actuator 33, the hot waterimmediately available to the thermal actuator 33 after such slowerconductive cooling reset can, in a quicker fashion, cause the thermalactuator 33 to stop hot water flow again.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 arepositioned in the full hot position and when actuating member 19 hasbeen actuated, hot water from supply line 15 will enter hot water inlet18, travel through plunger region 29, and then travel to internal line27. From internal line 27 and as shown in FIG. 13, hot water will enterthe cam portion 70 of hot water portion 50 of mixing valve 42, and thentravel to mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42. The hot water can thentravel from the mixing portion 52 of mixing valve 42 to mixed water line21, and then on to sensing region 24, and then to outlet 26.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 arepositioned in the full hot position, the recessed end 72 of hot waterportion 50 of mixing valve 42 is positioned below or underneath thelower end 71 of internal line 27, thereby allowing a substantially fullflow of hot water to enter cam portion 70 of hot water portion 50 ofmixing valve 42 from internal line 27.

As such and with reference to the discussion above relative to thevarious positions of the handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 in theneutral, full cold and full hot positions (and the various positions ofthe handle member 13 and mixing valve 42 between such positions),exemplary mixing valve 42 is advantageously configured to permitconstant simultaneous adjustment of flows of both the hot and cold waterinlets 18, 20 to mix to the desired outlet temperature through outlet26. As such and using mixing valve 42 of assembly 10, the flow rate ofmixed water through outlet 26 can stay more constant (e.g., as the coldflow is increased through inlet 20, the hot flow is decreased throughinlet 18; as the hot flow is increased through inlet 18, the cold flowis decreased through inlet 20). As noted above, this is an improvementover conventional systems/methods of simply adjusting the cold waterflow to control the outlet temperature. It is also an improvement overusing and having to adjust two individual conventional flow controlvalves (e.g., an individual hot valve and an individual cold valve), asexemplary assemblies 10 may advantageously use the one mixing valve 42to control the flow of both hot and cold water flows through inlets 18,20.

Whereas the disclosure has been described principally in connection withadvantageous fluid supply assemblies (e.g., water faucet assemblies) fordomestic, commercial, industrial and/or recreational uses/purposes, suchdescription has been utilized only for purposes of disclosure and is notintended as limiting the disclosure. To the contrary, it is to berecognized that the disclosed assemblies, systems and methods arecapable of use for other uses/purposes (e.g., as other fluid supplyassemblies for other fluid systems).

Although the assemblies, systems and methods of the present disclosurehave been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, thepresent disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments and/orimplementations. Rather, the systems, assemblies and methods of thepresent disclosure are susceptible to many implementations andapplications, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the artfrom the disclosure hereof. The present disclosure expressly encompassessuch modifications, enhancements and/or variations of the disclosedembodiments. Since many changes could be made in the above constructionand many widely different embodiments of this disclosure could be madewithout departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all mattercontained in the drawings and specification shall be interpreted asillustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additional modifications,changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid supply assembly comprising: a mixingvalve housed in a mixing cavity, the mixing valve configured to bemovable between a full-cold position and a full-hot position, whereinthe full-hot position is a maximum hot position for the mixing valve;wherein the mixing valve is configured such that, when the mixing valveis in the full-cold position, the mixing valve is positioned such that afirst amount of cold fluid flows from a cold fluid inlet into the mixingcavity; wherein the mixing valve is configured such that, when themixing valve is in the full-hot position, the mixing valve is positionedsuch that a second amount of cold fluid, less than the first amount,flows from the cold fluid inlet into the mixing cavity; and ananti-scald device comprising a thermal actuator and a plunger, whereinthe thermal actuator is configured to move the plunger to close a hotfluid inlet when a temperature of a mixed fluid flow, formed from hotfluid and cold fluid mixed in the mixing cavity, reaches a set-pointtemperature; wherein the mixing valve is configured such that, when thehot fluid inlet is closed, cold water continues to flow to the thermalactuator to cool the thermal actuator to allow the thermal actuator toreset; and wherein the mixing valve is a dual-cam mixing valve includinga hot fluid cam portion and a cold fluid cam portion, the hot fluid camportion elevating from a first recessed end to a first elevated end andthe cold fluid cam portion elevating from a second recessed end to asecond elevated end.
 2. The fluid supply assembly of claim 1, comprisinga manifold housing, wherein the manifold housing comprises the mixingcavity, the hot fluid inlet, and the cold fluid inlet.
 3. The fluidsupply assembly of claim 2, wherein the manifold housing comprises ananti-scald cavity comprising the anti-scald device.
 4. The fluid supplyassembly of claim 3, wherein the mixing cavity is fluidly connected to asensing region of the anti-scald cavity.
 5. The fluid supply assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the hot fluid inlet is fluidly connected to the mixingcavity and the cold fluid inlet is fluidly connected to the mixingcavity, and wherein the mixing cavity is fluidly connected to a sensingregion of the anti-scald cavity such that the mixed fluid flow formedfrom hot fluid and cold fluid travels through the sensing region of theanti-scald cavity and then out a mixed fluid outlet.
 6. The fluid supplyassembly of claim 5, further comprising a spout housing having a spoutopening, wherein the spout housing is configured to house the manifoldhousing, and the spout opening is configured to receive the mixed fluidflow from the mixed fluid outlet.
 7. The fluid supply assembly of claim1, wherein the mixing valve is a coupled mixing valve configured tosimultaneously adjust flow of both the hot fluid and the cold fluid intothe mixing cavity.
 8. The fluid supply assembly of claim 1, wherein thecoupled dual-cam mixing valve is configured such that: when the coupleddual-cam mixing valve is in the full-cold position, the second elevatedend is positioned a first distance from an end of the cold fluid inletsuch that the first amount of cold fluid flows into the mixing cavity;and when the coupled dual-cam mixing valve is in the full-hot position,the second elevated end is positioned a second distance, less than thefirst distance, from the end of the cold fluid inlet such that thesecond amount of cold fluid flows into the mixing cavity.
 9. The fluidsupply assembly of claim 1, wherein the mixing valve comprises a mixingportion positioned between the hot fluid cam portion and the cold fluidcam portion.
 10. The fluid supply assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a first valve configured such that when the first valve isactuated, hot fluid travels from the hot fluid inlet to the hot fluidcam portion and to the mixing cavity, and cold fluid travels from thecold fluid inlet to the cold fluid cam portion and to the mixing cavityto form the mixed fluid flow.
 11. The fluid supply assembly of claim 1,wherein the first valve is an electrically actuated valve.
 12. The fluidsupply assembly of claim 1, wherein the first valve is a mechanicallyactuated valve.
 13. The fluid supply assembly of claim 1, wherein thethermal actuator is configured to expand to move the plunger to closethe hot fluid inlet.
 14. The fluid supply assembly of claim 1, whereinthe set-point temperature is adjustable in accordance with adjustment bya user of a position of a component of the assembly.
 15. The fluidsupply assembly of claim 1, wherein the plunger member fluidicallyseparates a sensing region from a plunger region of the anti-scaldcavity.
 16. The fluid supply assembly of claim 15, wherein the assemblyis configured such that hot fluid travels from the hot fluid inlet andto the plunger region of the anti-scald cavity, and then to the mixingcavity to form the mixed fluid flow.
 17. The fluid supply assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the thermal actuator comprises a wax member.
 18. Thefluid supply assembly of claim 1, wherein the mixing valve includes ashaft portion configured to mount to a handle member.